Composer

:

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1774

Average_duration

:

5:09

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

"Der Gerechte, ob er gleich" (The Righteous, Even Though) H. 818 is a sacred cantata composed by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach in 1775. The piece was premiered in Hamburg on the 23rd Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 12th, 1775. The cantata is divided into six movements and is scored for four vocal soloists (soprano, alto, tenor, and bass), a four-part choir, and a small orchestra consisting of two oboes, two horns, strings, and continuo. The first movement is an instrumental sinfonia that sets the tone for the entire piece. It begins with a slow, mournful introduction that gradually builds in intensity before giving way to a lively and joyful allegro. The second movement is a duet for soprano and alto that features a beautiful melody and intricate harmonies. The third movement is a recitative for the tenor that sets up the fourth movement, which is a bass aria. The bass aria is the emotional heart of the piece and features a powerful vocal line accompanied by a mournful oboe solo. The fifth movement is a duet for soprano and tenor that is light and playful in character. The final movement is a four-part chorale that brings the piece to a close with a sense of peace and resolution. The text of "Der Gerechte, ob er gleich" is based on a passage from the Book of Wisdom in the Bible. The cantata explores the theme of righteousness and the idea that even though the righteous may suffer in this life, they will ultimately be rewarded in the next. The music reflects the text with its mixture of mournful and joyful passages, and its use of intricate harmonies and powerful vocal lines. Overall, "Der Gerechte, ob er gleich" is a beautiful and moving piece of music that showcases Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach's skill as a composer. Its combination of intricate harmonies, powerful vocal lines, and emotional depth make it a masterpiece of the sacred cantata genre.

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